EDUCATION chiefs have launched an investigation after a teacher accused of sending inappropriate text messages to a pupil resigned and then landed another teaching job at a different school.

Dr James Hodkinson, 31, was suspended from Lymm High School last December after a 16-year-old schoolgirl made allegations against him.

But he quit his job as a languages teacher before the investigation by Warrington education officials was completed.

Weeks later, he found a new post at a Werneth School, near Stockport.

Dr Hodkinson has now been suspended from the second school, while education officials examine how he was selected for the job.

He started working at Werneth School as a supply teacher and was later taken on as a full-time member of staff.

Allegation

A spokesman for Stockport council confirmed that an investigation was under way, and added: "He became a supply teacher earlier this year and was offered a staff post in the languages department.

"The member of staff has now been suspended while an investigation is carried out. We understand that he was previously at Lymm High School."

A Warrington council spokesman said: "The teacher in question was under investigation following an allegation involving text-messaging. Before that investigation was concluded, the teacher resigned. We have referred the matter to the Department for Education and Skills."

It is thought police are not involved in the matter.

The Department said today it had a confidential list of those barred or restricted from working in a school or college.

Employers in education are required to check "List 99" before they make appointments. And they must tell the department if a person leaves on grounds including misconduct and unsuitability to work with children.